Calendar

Republicans roll out transportation agenda

“The legislative package the House
and Senate Republicans are unveiling today confirms our commitment
to improving our transportation system through real solutions and
without a tax increase.”

That was the message from Republican
leaders in the Senate and House today during a media availability
to discuss their transportation proposals for the 2008 legislative
session.

“Coloradans are already sending
enough of their tax dollars to Denver,” said House Republican
Leader Mike May, R-Parker. “We are proposing that the
legislature prioritize transportation spending and start spending
transportation dollars more wisely; our package does that without
asking for a tax increase.”

One proposal by Senate Republican Leader
Andy McElhany, R-Colorado Springs, House Republican Leader May, and
Rep. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, would make sure that tax revenue
from auto-related purchases is spent on maintaining and enhancing
Colorado’s transportation infrastructure. The proposal would
ask the voters to protect that funding source in the state
constitution.

“Any talk of another tax-hike is
premature,” said Senate Republican Leader Andy McElhany,
R-Colorado Springs. “We need to make transportation funding a
priority and have a frank discussion about the structure of our
transportation system.”

Another proposal by Rep. Glenn Vaad,
R-Mead, and Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, would reduce the size
of the state highway system by returning to local governments the
authority to build and maintain local roads and bridges.

“Local governments can better
respond to their transportation needs,” Vaad said. “The
Fair Transportation Act would allow them to take control of their
local transportation needs and provide for their residents without
waiting on the state government.”

Also among the proposals is a measure by
Republican Leader May, Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Lakewood, and Sen. Josh
Penry, R-Fruita. The bill would require the state to conduct an
analysis whenever a toll road becomes available on the market to
determine if it is in the best interest of taxpayers of the state
to bid on the road.

“The Northwest Parkway toll road
this summer accepted a deal with two foreign companies from
Portugal and Brazil to lease the road for 99 years, the state never
placed a bid on the road,” May said. “We feel that the
state should take advantage of these opportunities if it is found
to be in the best interest of Colorado taxpayers.”